Devizes MP Claire Perry is demanding answers after constituents were left without electricity at Christmas

Devizes MP Claire Perry is demanding answers after constituents were left without electricity over the Christmas period.

Last week, Scottish and Southern Energy’s (SSE) Managing Director, Mark Mathieson joined other power company representatives in front of the House of Commons Energy Select Committee, to respond to concerns about their responses to the recent power cuts.

Energy companies put the lengthy blackouts which meant 750,000 customers across the country were left without electricity over the Christmas period down to the severe nature of the storm, especially the 80mph winds.

But Mrs Perry remains unsatisfied with this explanation and is still waiting for responses to her letters to SSE chief executive, Alistair Phillips-Davies.

Energy Select Committee chairman Tim Yeo MP said that the companies were exploiting their “privileged monopoly position” and were in fact displaying “neglect” for their customers.

Mrs Perry said: “Not only were some of my constituents off the grid for up to six days over Christmas, but communication from SSE about restoration of power was at best confusing or worse non-existent. This is simply unacceptable.

"I have sought answers from SSE chief executive, Alistair Phillips-Davies and I am very disappointed that I have still not received responses.

"I do think that electricity companies’ priorities have been misplaced and my constituents deserve far more.”

Comments (1)

Whilst I am not defending energy companies I do feel this is a bit of a 'easy win' cheap shot for mrs Perry!

I am sure there were mistakes and things didn't run smoothly however the weather conditions were extraordinary and obviously hampered the repairs. Maybe next time Mrs perry would like to go up a pylon in 80mph winds to fix the issues.

Whilst I am not defending energy companies I do feel this is a bit of a 'easy win' cheap shot for mrs Perry!
I am sure there were mistakes and things didn't run smoothly however the weather conditions were extraordinary and obviously hampered the repairs. Maybe next time Mrs perry would like to go up a pylon in 80mph winds to fix the issues.timecrawler